We've all received a call where the name of a relative, a colleague, or even our bank appeared on the screen, only to find the voice on the other end was completely different. This is called caller ID spoofing, and it's one of the most effective scams because it preys on trust. When the phone displays the correct name, we let our guard down.

Google has just directly addressed this problem. In its June 2, 2026 Android update (the June "Android Drop"), the company added a fake call detection feature that verifies whether a call actually originates from your contact's device. It's a seemingly subtle change, but one that affects everyone from the general public to small and medium-sized businesses in Quebec that receive dozens of calls a day.

1. What Google announced

In its blog post dated June 2, 2026, Google describes the new feature in a simple sentence: the Phone app can now verify if a call is actually coming from your contact's device. If a scammer tries to impersonate someone you know, you'll receive an on-screen alert that allows you to quickly hang up.

Some key points to remember:

• The feature is integrated into the Google Phone (Phone by Google), the one installed by default on many Android devices and Pixel phones.
• It is aimed at Android 12 and above devices .
• It does not just filter an unknown number: it validates that the call actually comes from the device associated with the contact, not just from a number that displays their name.
• The warning appears while the phone is ringing, so even before you answer.

This is a significant difference compared to traditional spam filters. Traditional spam filters primarily check if a number is known for spamming. Here, the focus is on name and number spoofing, the very core of identity theft scams.

2. Why do fake calls target SMEs so much?

Telephone fraud is far from uncommon in Canada. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reminds the public that fraudsters continue to impersonate its representatives, claiming to investigate fraud or promising to recover stolen money, simply to extract personal and financial information. The technique is always the same: hiding behind a trustworthy name.

For a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Trois-Rivières, the Mauricie region, or Quebec City, the risk is very real. A fraudster who impersonates the company president's phone number and calls the accounting department demanding an "urgent" wire transfer is a classic example of the "fake invoice" or "fake executive" scam. When the correct name appears on the caller ID, the employee rarely hesitates.

• A call that appears to be from a known supplier to change a bank account number.
• A fake call from the "bank" to confirm a transaction and obtain a security code.
• A self-proclaimed "IT support" technician requesting remote access.

In all these cases, the spoofed display of the name is the primary weapon. A feature that detects when the originating device doesn't match the expected contact cuts part of the trap at its source. If you want to assess the current state of your communications security, our managed IT services cover precisely this type of risk on a daily basis.

3. How does the verification work?

Without delving into the technical details that Google reserves for its security blog, the idea is to confirm the authenticity of the sending device rather than relying on the displayed number. In other words, the system doesn't just ask "is this number known?", but "is this call really coming from the device of the person whose name appears?".

In practical terms, here's what it looks like from the user's perspective:

• The phone rings and displays a contact name.
• If the verification fails, an alert warns you that the call could be a spoofing attempt.
• You can hang up before you've exchanged anything.

To benefit from this feature, two basic conditions must be met: you must use the Google Phone app and have a device running Android 12 or later. Older phones or those that rely on a different calling app may not have this protection. This serves as a good reminder of the importance of keeping your mobile devices up to date, a topic on which an IT partner can provide support.

4. What this means in concrete terms for your business

The good news is that an extra layer of protection arrives effortlessly, directly on your team's recent Android devices. For an SME, this means an additional safety net on mobile phones, where many scams now begin.

That said, we need to keep a cool head on three points:

• This isn't universal. The feature is designed for Android 12 and above, using the Google Phone app. Your Apple devices, landlines, and business phone systems are not covered by this new feature.
• Fraud adapts. Scammers often shift their tactics to text messages, email, or messaging apps as soon as one channel becomes more difficult.
• The human element remains the last line of defense. No function can replace a trained employee who knows how to say "I'll call you back on the official number" before taking action.

This is where the security of an SME lies: not in a single tool, but in a combination of technical protections and best practices. Updating devices, enabling two-factor authentication, and raising staff awareness of phone and email fraud all form a coherent whole.

5. Good habits to maintain, regardless of the technology

Even with fake call detection, certain reflexes remain essential both at the office and at home:

• Never give out passwords, security codes or card numbers over the phone, even if the correct name is displayed.
• In the event of an urgent request for money or a transfer, call the person back on their known official number, not the one who just called.
• Establish a clear internal procedure to validate any change to a supplier's bank details.
• Keep phones and apps up to date to benefit from the latest protections.
• Report any attempts at fraud, including to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

These habits cost little and prevent most unpleasant surprises. Technology helps, but it's team discipline that truly makes the difference in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fake call detection available on all phones?

No. According to Google, it targets Android 12 and later devices that use the Google Phone app. iPhones and phones with other calling apps are not covered by this specific feature.

Does it also protect against text message scams?

No, this feature is for voice calls. Text message fraud (SMS phishing) requires other protections and, above all, vigilance. Never click on a link from an unknown sender and never respond to a request for money via text message.

What should I do if I receive a false call alert?

Hang up without providing any information. If the call claimed to be from a contact or organization you know, contact that person or company again at their official number to verify. In a corporate setting, report the incident to your IT manager.

Protect your communications with the right support

Android's call fraud detection is a useful advancement, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. True protection for a Quebec SME requires a cohesive approach: up-to-date devices, strong authentication, employee awareness training, and threat monitoring. To assess your company's security in Trois-Rivières, Mauricie, or Quebec City, explore our managed IT services or contact us through our contact. We take the time to understand your specific situation before proposing any solutions.